Editorial: Picking up positive signals out of B.C. city hall

Battle Creek City Hall.

We won't call it a turning point, but the past week offered some hopeful moments for Battle Creek citizens seeking accountability from their local government, and that is without question a welcome turn of events.

It's always refreshing to hear residents, city employees and City Commissioners singing from the same hymn sheet about the need for openness, transparency and a renewed spirit of collaboration.

Last Friday's meeting of the city manager search committee, however, brought about something we've not seen for a while: enthusiasm. It also marked a rare occasion in which commissioners stayed after the well-attended meeting to engage directly with residents and get their input on the search process.

"That was the most positive, open, transparent meeting that I have ever been to at City Hall," said Kaytee Faris, a Battle Creek resident who lost her bid for a City Commission seat last year. "I really do think they made a concerted effort to hear from everyone, and I'm glad they opened it at the end to have that open dialogue back and forth."

"Public process and transparency are the two things that are going to make or break a city, in my opinion," said Vice Mayor Deb Owens, who initiated the informal talks. "It goes back to us holding high standards and being responsive, and I think the process of the city manager could be an example of how we can effectively work with our citizenry."

"What's changed is the intentionality behind being transparent," said Interim City Manager Susan Bedsole. "We're going to do whatever it takes to make sure that people have the information that they're seeking."

Encouraging words in a city that's seen its share of turmoil and intrigue over the past several months, culminating in February with the early retirement of City Manager Ken Tsuchiyama and the resignation the month prior by Police Chief Jackie Hampton.

Both city veterans left their positions after months of questions raised by some commissioners about their individual performances and allegations of corruption within the Battle Creek Police Department, allegations that remain unsubstantiated.

Given the tone of recent meetings, Friday's give-and-take was a breath of fresh air.

"The city commissioners and the city administration cannot do it alone," said Commissioner Dean Newsome. "We gotta work in partnership with people openly and transparently. And that's beginning to happen, so we can continue the momentum that we have built."

Make no mistake: City leaders face a long road in regaining the confidence of citizens who at turns have been perplexed and dismayed by the news emanating from city hall.

The exodus of key leaders continued still on Monday, when Employee Relations Director Russ Claggett said he had accepted an offer with Calhoun Intermediate School District for a job that starts in July.

Claggett represents the fourth city leader to announce his departure since November, with still others indicating they may not finish out the year.

One of those is Deputy Police Chief Jim Saylor, himself placed on paid administrative leave while he is investigated for his part in creating an alleged hostile work environment. Only an hour prior to the committee meeting, city officials held a rare news conference to announce the probe, although neither Bedsole nor Interim Police Chief Jim Blocker would elaborate on the probe other than it "relates to an alleged personal relationship" between Saylor and Inspector Maria Alonso, who also was placed paid administrative leave.

While he shared few details about investigation, however, Blocker, too, underscored the need to repair the department's image with the public.

"This investigation was absolutely necessary to reestablish trust within the organization, and more importantly within our community to which we remain accountable," he said.

It's good, after so many months, to hear city leaders talking about the regaining the public's trust. We look forward to seeing them earn it, as well.

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Editorial: Picking up positive signals out of B.C. city hall

We won't call it a turning point, but the past week offered some hopeful moments for Battle Creek citizens seeking accountability from their local government, and that is without question a welcome